Patient-Reported Outcomes, Provider-Reported Outcomes, And Physiologic Parameters After Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment In Canada: A Systematic Review

This systematic review of 34 articles involving 3,990 patients in Canada evaluates the outcomes of gender-affirming hormone treatments, noting a significant increase in demand. The review highlights an overemphasis on physiologic and provider-reported outcomes, with only 32% of studies using patient-reported outcomes (PROMs). Testosterone treatments were linked to increased PSA levels and side effects like gynecomastia and idiopathic intracranial hypertension, while estrogen and antiandrogen treatments effectively suppressed testosterone levels and affected HDL concentrations. The review calls for improved outcome measurement practices, particularly in capturing PROMs, to better align care with patient preferences. It also stresses the need for standardized outcome measurements and comprehensive data collection methods to enhance research quality and clinical practice.